Daniel O’Donnell backs campaign to save Donegal to Dublin flights as protest organised
Concerns have been raised after it was confirmed that the new contract for PSO flights which is expected to take effect at the end of February will have different flight times and may result in the loss of an afternoon flight entirely.The proposed changes could result in morning and evening flights scheduled at a later time.The flight is used regularly by Donegal cancer patients travelling to Dublin for treatment while it also allows people to travel to Dublin, attend work or appointments, and return home the same day.On Friday, singer Daniel O’Donnell voiced his support for the flights adding he is a regular user of the service. Posting on his social media, he said, “I don't usually post things like this on my Facebook page but I just want to let people who may have used this service know about this petition.“The Donegal flight which I use so often is a vital service for cancer patients in the North West travelling to Dublin for treatment.“The Public Service Obligation contract is due for renewal on February 25 and there are growing fears proposed timetable changes could see the afternoon return flight cut.“Proposed timetable changes risk making same-day medical travel impractical, forcing patients into overnight stays, extra cost and unnecessary strain,” said Daniel.Cllr Micheal Mac Giolla Easbuig has organised a protest to be held at Donegal Airport on Saturday at 2pm.He has urged everyone to come out and send a clear message about the importance of the flights.“We travel to go to work, we travel to go back to the countries we had to emigrate to, we travel for business and we travel for health care and for cancer treatment.“Aerfort Dhún na nGall is the beating heart of our community.“The airport community gives so much and that is clearly evident to anyone who uses the service.“The contempt of this government towards us is unacceptable and shall be and is being challenged.“This Saturday at 2pm we will organise a protest to send a strong message to the TD's that are in government and continue to support a government that is clearly looking after Emerald Airlines interest then our interest.“The protest will take place outside the gates of Aerfort Dhún na nGall,” said Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig.Donegal Airport.
A petition, which was launched earlier this week and opposes the timetable changes, has been signed over 10,000 times.A spokesperson for Donegal Cancer Flights and Services said they are deeply grateful to everyone who has signed, shared, spoken up and stood with them since the launch of the petition.“Reaching 10,000 signatories is an extraordinary show of solidarity and community strength.“This campaign is not about convenience or politics, it is about people.“It is about protecting the Donegal–Dublin PSO afternoon flight, a lifeline that allows cancer patients and others with serious medical needs to travel for treatment with dignity, safety, same-day access to care and to travel home again on the same day.“Behind every signature is a real story, a real family, and a real journey. Your support sends a clear and powerful message: this service matters, and it must be protected.“To those who signed from Donegal, from across Ireland, and from further afield, thank you.“We are privileged and humbled by the backing we have received. Together, we will continue to speak up for those who need these flights most, because patients must always come first,” said a spokesperson.To visit the petition “Protect Donegal Cancer Flights”, clink the link here.
